Venezuela closes embassy in Oslo after opposition leader awarded Nobel peace prize

"We have been informed by the embassy of Venezuela that it is shutting its doors and no reason has been given, the foreign ministry spokesperson, Cecilie Roang, told AFP. It is regrettable. Despite our differences on several issues, Norway wishes to keep the dialogue open with Venezuela and will continue to work in this direction, she said. According to the Verdens Gang daily, which revealed the information, the embassy services were no longer answering the phone on Monday afternoon."

"Machado had been prevented from running in the 2024 presidential election, in which the incumbent, Nicolas Maduro, was declared the winner despite opposition protests. Machado was honoured for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, said Jrgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee in Oslo."

"On Sunday, Maduro, without mentioning Machado's prize, referred to the 58-year-old laureate as a demonic witch, a term often used by the government. We want peace, and we will have peace, but peace with freedom, with sovereignty, Maduro said at an event commemorating the discovery of the Americas, celebrated in Venezuela as Indigenous Resistance Day. Machado supports US military manoeuvres in waters near Venezuela."

Venezuela closed its embassy in Oslo without providing a reason, and Norwegian authorities reported the embassy had shut its doors and stopped answering calls. Norway expressed regret and said it wants to keep dialogue open despite differences. The closure occurred days after Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize. Machado has campaigned for the downfall of the Chavista regime and was prevented from running in the 2024 presidential election. The Nobel committee praised her work promoting democratic rights and seeking a peaceful transition. President Nicolás Maduro publicly disparaged Machado while asserting a desire for peace with sovereignty.

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